New research from Stay Metrics, experts in driver retention, sheds light on driver satisfaction based on economic changes and seasonal trends.

Average driver satisfaction by time period. Adjusted by carrier.

Given ongoing turbulent economic times, and renewed economic and regulatory pressures on the trucking industry, one might wonder whether driver job satisfaction has varied over the last two years.

South Bend, IN (PRWEB) March 19, 2014

Should the trucking industry pay attention to levels of driver satisfaction? Yes, if trucking firms care about the bottom line, research indicates. Dissatisfied drivers are much more likely to turnover, leading to an expensive loss of experienced drivers, and necessitating high hiring and training costs for replacement drivers. To combat this likelihood, Stay Metrics has been conducting attitude surveys for drivers since 2012. A recent analysis of the data yielded surprising results.

Given ongoing turbulent economic times, and renewed economic and regulatory pressures on the trucking industry, one might wonder whether driver job satisfaction has varied over the last two years. One might also wonder whether the seasons (Summer/Fall/Winter/Spring) affect driver satisfaction, particularly given the 2013-2014 record-breaking tough winter of driving. In a recent study conducted by Dr. Timothy Judge of the University of Notre Dame using Stay Metrics survey data from over 2,300 drivers for 26 carriers, driver satisfaction for seven seasons from Summer 2012 to Winter 2014 was analyzed. While the raw data indicated both time and seasonal trends, further analyses revealed this was an artifact due to carriers onboarding with the Stay Metrics system at various times. Once the data is adjusted by carrier, the results conclusively show that driver satisfaction has remained stable—despite adverse economic changes and regardless of seasonal weather-related driving conditions.

The upshot? Time and season really don’t appear to affect driver satisfaction. “Some carriers have asked us whether satisfaction results depend on the time of year drivers are surveyed,” said Stay Metrics Co-Founder Kurt LaDow. “Our results answer that question.”

The full report is available upon request by contacting Tim Hindes at Tim(at)StayMetrics(dot)com.